Woodlake student honored for trustworthiness

Jacob Johnson, 13, was nominated for the Character Counts! pillar of trustworthiness by his teachers Courtney Hengst and Paul Crawford, not pictured. He attends Woodlake Valley Middle School.(Photo: Teresa Douglass)

Editor's note: This week is Character Counts! Week and each day this week we will feature two students from Tulare County schools who represent the five pillars of character. Today: Trustworthiness.

Jacob Johnson said he knows there are consequences for not doing what's expected of him.

For example, when he failed to clean his bedroom at home two weeks ago, he was reprimanded and had to wash dishes in addition to cleaning his room.

However, at Woodlake Valley Middle School where he's in the eighth grade, Jacob is the go-to kid for trustworthiness, said Courtney Hengst, his Leadership class teacher. She and Paul Crawford, a physical education teacher, nominated him for the Character Counts! pillar of Trustworthiness.

"He's a unique, rare 21st-century kid who is 100 percent reliable and trustworthy all the time," she said.

For example, Jacob is the student she trusts to roll out a very expensive speaker system each Friday without tipping it over so music can be played during lunch. One time when the speakers didn't work, he fixed it with foil and duct tape.

"When there's a job to be done, he makes it happen," she said. "Once I give Jacob a job to do, I do not have to think about it again."

And if he's not sure of his instructions, he quizzes her for clarity.

In the Leadership class, students participate in Red Ribbon week, Western Week and dances. They put up posters and get students involved in fun activities.

For the past two years, Jacob brought a pig to school for a pig scramble during Western Week.

"I stand in the crowd to make sure the pig doesn't get loose," he said.

The pig, however, got out the first year.

"It ended up being a real pig scramble," he said. "It was caught by [my dad and me]."

When Jacob grows up, he said he wants to be a farmer.

He said he always tries to do the best he can in school because he has an older brother who struggled in school.

Now the older brother, Noah, is going into the U.S. Marine Corps and Jacob said he's very proud of him.

Character Counts! Finalists

Jairo Aguliar

Jairo Aguilar
(Photo: Submitted)

8th grade, Kings River Union School, Kingsburg

Nominator Kristi Blatner: "Jairo is the oldest of seven children. His mother has been a single mother for much of his life and has depended on Jairo for help with his siblings. Despite the added responsibilities placed on Jairo at home, he is active in school activities.

"Last year, Jairo was a state competitor at the California History Day Competition in Riverside, was elected Student Body President for the 2014-2015 school year, competes on the varsity football team and is a leader on campus. He can be counted on to be at the right place at the right time always.

"Jairo stands out on campus as a person who can be trusted when others may bully or say unkind things. Students trust that Jairo is non-judgmental, accepting and safe. Jairo has integrity well beyond his years as he looks to be a leader in tolerance."

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Trinity Keoseyan

Trinity Keoseyan
(Photo: Submitted)

8th grade, Valley Life Charter School, Visalia

Nomintor David Laney: "At Valley Life Charter School, no job is big or too small for eighth grader, Trinity Keoseyan. With a desire to achieve, Trinity has a very strong work ethic that allows her to accomplish difficult school and community goals at such a high level, compared to most students her age.

"At 14, Trinity has proven that she can handle many challenging responsibilities and tasks. Trinity served as Valley Life Charter Schools' Yearbook Editor, and as a member on her school's Battle of the Books and Science Olympiad competition teams. She is an active member of her school's choir, and is currently the Student President of Leadership at Valley Life. When the school day is finished, Trinity's responsibilities continue to accelerate into the evening, as she daily practices and performs for her dance troupe, The Ruby Slipper.

"Her achievements are a result of beginning with the end in mind, doing what she is supposed to do, through her readiness to learn, and a willingness to respond responsibly, as she expects higher standards for herself and others. Trinity is a phenomenal student who has a wonderful personality and a beautiful smile that encourages you to be a part of the team."